There’s a real magic when fourteen-year old boys play baseball. ANYTHING can happen and usually does. The son of Mother Goose played in the Pony League Baseball division this spring, and Mother Goose is all puffed up with pride for him and his team.

The fourteen guys were sponsored by Dominican University in River Forest. The season officially began on Saturday April 28th with a rained out game… But then the sun came out on the next day, and they WON against Hoy, the team rated number one!

And then they lost eighteen games…

On one day, the other team failed to show up so the Dominicans got that game by forfeiture which was kind of OK.

But they played hard all season long — they all got to be friends, and they learned a lot about playing the game of baseball. They were coached by some really great dads who were extremely helpful and encouraging.

Mother Goose was personally saddened by her son’s hitting slump. Inning after inning, game after game, it hurt so much to see Joe strike out and walk sadly back to the dugout.

And then on June 24th, the playoffs started and the boys suddenly came ALIVE! With outstanding fielding and pitching and much hot bats, the team won game after game! The crowds of parents went wild with excitement and cheering and yelling and clapping as their miraculously and amazingly well-coordinated sons made the plays, ran the bases and scored and won over and over!

And yes, Joe started hitting! In fact, after the game last Friday evening, the coach announced that Joe’s bat would need to be sent to the Hall of Fame for the way he came through in the clench! Mother Goose just has to say, “Awwww…..”

The season ended last night. It was a good game, but we couldn’t quite beat Oak Park Apartments. Our young men played their hearts out, and we were all VERY proud of them.

Here’s another round of applause for the team!! Great job and all good to Ryan, Ryan, Sharmore, Nick, Liam, Max, David, Pete, Ben, Alec, Charlie, Joe, Noah and Max and Coaches Mike, Mark and Barry!

Dominican University Pony League 2012

Joe’s best day on the mound.

The day Joe’s bat came back to life.

A special thanks to Coach Mark who video taped each boy at bat, and then offered very professional critiques and suggestions for improving their stance and swing. He helped Joe out of his slump!

Waiting at second base for the signal from the coach.

Joe slides into third base…SAFE!

The final pep talk from Coach Mike and awarding of the game balls to each player.

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I just must say that I miss those days…I loved my son’s athletic “career.” LOL! And now my granddaughter Sophia will be starting soccer this fall and I can do it all again! I know you’re proud, and you should be! 🙂 Debra